The Fight for the Right group is the DPD’s client community service group. The name was created by a member of the group and implies fighting for what is right and providing service to those in our local communities, nation and worldwide who are in need.

Because the individuals of DPD are currently practicing social distancing and sheltering in place, the group has been unable to congregate, but continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

For this month they will be decorating and sending thank you cards to local first responders and hospital employees. Pictured is Patty and Phyllis from Guiliano House who spefically thanked the Jefferson Township Police Department and essential workers at ACME Markets.

"We thank all of the people who continue to go into work despite the coronavirus. Especially the DPD Staff," said Kathy from Murray House.

Past projects include planting flowers at nursing homes, making get well cards and gifts for the sick, buying holiday presents for children of domestic violence, donating mom and baby gifts for Mother’s Day to a pregnant women’s shelter, doing yard work and clean up at a park on Community Service Day, creating centerpieces for an annual Easter brunch held by a local women’s club and participating in a Holocaust Museum’s butterfly memorial wall project.

The current project will thank brave employees from over 3 dozen entities.

Prior to this project the group have held many drives to provide food, supplies, funds, clothing and products to our military troops and veterans, food banks, animal shelters and sanctuaries, families in new homes built by Habitat for Humanity and women in need of business attire for job interviews. They also made and delivered appreciation gifts to law enforcement officers and military veterans.

The group is led by volunteer, Jenn Minervino.

The Fight for the Right Group looks forward to meeting again in person but is proud to thank those who are making a difference!

March 12, 2020
DPD People Need Friends Program Suspended

As you are probably well aware the men and women in our group homes and Gruenert Center are prone to illness much more so than you or I. Some just because of the nature of their disability and for others this is compounded by their age. It is with their well-being in mind that we are suspending all volunteer work.

In our effort to protect these vulnerable individuals the DPD has initiated a program of limiting the number of people our folks interact with. This means only essential personnel will be allowed in the group homes and Gruenert Center until such time that the corona virus crisis has passed. In addition, CARE, Scouts, Saturdays at the Center (SATC) and Fight for the Right will not meet until further notice.

It is with sadness that we institute this policy. Your role in their lives, your friendship and presence enhances us all in countless ways. The quality and variety of experiences you afford cannot be replicated! Please join us in prayer as we unite to deal with this virus both locally and globally.

Remember, phone calls and cards are always welcome and a nice way to let everyone know they are in your thoughts. I am looking forward to the time when this is behind us and we can once again be about the business of bringing joy to the men and women of the DPD.